Tension erupted in parts of Ibadan, Oyo State, as angry protesters blocked a major road to demand the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted during recent attacks on schools in the state.
The demonstrators, made up of parents, teachers, students, community members and civil society activists, carried placards and chanted slogans condemning the continued captivity of the victims. They accused authorities of not doing enough to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren and education workers.
The protest follows the abduction of several pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has triggered widespread fear across Oyo State and beyond. The crisis intensified after reports emerged that one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the captors, sparking outrage among residents and education stakeholders.
During the demonstration, protesters called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and bring the perpetrators to justice. Many of the participants expressed frustration over the increasing number of attacks on schools and the growing insecurity affecting children and teachers.
The blockage of the road caused temporary traffic disruption as commuters and motorists were forced to seek alternative routes. Security personnel were later deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent the protest from escalating into violence.
Leaders of the protest insisted that the demonstration would continue until concrete action is taken to secure the release of the remaining captives. They argued that allowing children and teachers to remain in the hands of kidnappers sends a dangerous message and undermines confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens.
Meanwhile, Oyo State authorities have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions. Security agencies have also pledged to intensify operations in affected communities.
The latest protest reflects growing public anger over the worsening security situation and renewed concerns about the safety of schools across Nigeria.
